NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA RIVER LIONS
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The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’4 guard, Jahvon Blair presented by YOUR Legal Services. The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont. will join the team for the 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) campaign after most recently suiting up for the Brampton Honey Badgers who represented the CEBL in the Basketball Champions League of Americas (BCLA), where he averaged 19.5 points and 3.5 assists in Window 3 of the tournament.
“We are excited to add Jahvon to the River Lions Organization!”, said head coach and general manager, Victor Raso. “He is a very talented combo guard who will help us in many ways this season. Adding young Canadians of Jahvon's caliber to our program is something that we constantly strive to do, and we are thrilled that we can help in his development.”
Prior to Blair’s involvement with the BCLA’s, he had a brief stint with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League before going on to represent Canada with the Senior Men’s National Team during the FIBA World Cup Qualifier Windows.
During the 2022 CEBL season, Blair played 16 games for the Newfoundland Growlers where he averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Prior to his professional career, Blair spent four seasons with Big East basketball powerhouse, Georgetown University, where he was named to the Big East all-freshman team after the 2017-18 season. In his senior year, Blair had his most successful statistical season leading the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Blair helped the Hoyas to the Big East tournament title and Georgetown’s first NCAA tournament berth since 2015.
Blair signed his first professional contract with Lavrio of the Greek Basket League and then later that season signed with KTP Basket of the Finnish Korisliiga, where he averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds.
Blair becomes the first new name signed to the River Lions, and fifth player added to the roster ahead of the 2023 season set tip-off for the team on May 26 when they visit the Montreal Alliance.
“I am excited to be joining the River Lions this summer,” said Blair. “Firstly, I would like to thank Coach Vic for giving me the opportunity to be part of this program. Secondly, I can’t wait to get started on our hunt towards a 2023 championship and I look forward to experiencing the best fans in the league.”
The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL. Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Click here for more information.
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